IFORD FESTIVAL, BRADFORD-ON-AVON

CHROMA collaborated with Iford Arts 2009-2021 on operas, education work and concerts.

at Iford Manor:
 2009
Mozart Barber of Seville (conducted Andrew Griffiths)
***** "Productions such as this could single-handedly reverse opera’s dwindling fortunes if performed in a city square. Rather than any rarefied high-art ideal, it is the upfront, street-theatre feel of this 1960s-set production of Rossini’s opera buffa that imbues it with knee-weakening charm... this is a cast that oozes youthful charisma. Add the zingy playing of chamber ensemble CHROMA and the stunning setting, and you have an unparalleled pleasure from start to finish." 
Anna Britten, MetroLife 25 June 2009

2010
Rossini La Cenerentola, produced by CHROMA (conducted Andrew Griffiths, director Bill Bankes-Jones)
"Less was definitely more with this Bill Bankes-Jones production. He and his designer Tim Meacock sensibly allowed the quiet charm of Iford's Italianate cloister to speak for itself... no gimmicks, just the sparkle of Rossini's music and the energy of lively ensemble-work to create a natural momentum. Rejecting the canopy in favour of a velvet evening sky helped cast an altogether idyllic spell...It was a reminder that there is almost nothing to beat the magic of Iford at its intimate best."
Rian Evans, OPERA Sep 10

“Supported by vivacious playing from the ensemble CHROMA under Andrew Griffiths, it shone with gentle charm”
Rupert Christiansen, Daily Telegraph

“The score comes across with great verve, clarity and elegance in Andrew Griffiths’s conducting of the CHROMA ensemble, every one a virtuoso, of whom Tom Hankey (violin) stands out for energy and style. Griffiths paces things brilliantly, not afraid to draw out a yearning strain that is often lost in the welter of Rossinian ebullience, but equally driving the ensembles along with scary speed. This was something special.” 
Robert Thicknesse, The Tablet

CHROMA sets up Iford’s inaugural local primary schools programme - opera-based composition and performance

CHROMA cloister concert From Bath To Buenos Aires – A Tango Serenade with premieres of commissions from David Bruce and Dominic Shovelton

2011
Humperdink Hansel & Gretel (conducted Oliver Gooch)
“CHROMA’s excellent ensemble of instrumentalists… it’s enchanting, as Hansel & Gretel should be – it’s exciting too” 
The Times

CHROMA cloister concert Chablis Chic

2012
Mozart The Abduction from the Seraglio, produced by CHROMA (conducted Andrew Griffiths, director Bill Bankes-Jones)
alongside Seraglio performances: primary school composition project - Frome and Trowbridge

CHROMA cloister concert Transfigured Night

2013
Verdi La Traviata (conducted Oliver Gooch)

Offenbach La Vie Parisienne (conducted Geoffrey Paterson)

CHROMA cloister concert Mozart - A Life in Letters

2014
Puccini La Rondine (conducted Oliver Gooch)
"Oliver Gooch conducts the excellent CHROMA ensemble" 
Rupert Christiansen Daily Telegraph

CHROMA cloister concert Ravel, Debussy, La Falla

2015
Verdi Ballo in Maschera (conducted Oliver Gooch)

CHROMA cloister concert Folk Tales

2016
Verdi Macbeth (conducted Oliver Gooch)

CHROMA cloister concert Revolutionaries, Renegades and Visionaries

2017
Puccini La Boheme (conducted Oliver Gooch)

CHROMA cloister concert Dreamtime Goldberg Variations

2018
Puccini Madame Butterfly (conducted Oliver Gooch)

at Belcombe Court:
2019
Donizetti L’Elisir D’Amore (conducted Oliver Gooch)

2021
Mascagni Cavalleria Rusticana and Leoncavallo Pagliacci (conducted Oliver Gooch)